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MIAMISBURG, Ohio (WDTN) - State Representative Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg) said Wednesday he is introducing a bill to combat the problems of vicious dog attacks on children and adults.

Under the bill, it will be a fifth-degree felony if the dog kills or causes serious injury to a person. The bill also increases the arrest authority of dog wardens.

“In Ohio, too many children and adults have been mauled or killed by vicious dogs. While most dogs are good pets, there are a few that should not interact with the public, as evidenced by the number of dog attacks that we have seen. This bill will ensure that no more Ohioans are killed or mauled by vicious dogs,” Rep. Antani said.

In 2018, Savannah Coleman, 8, was attacked by a dog in Miami Township. She only lived because a good Samaritan was able to forcibly remove the dog from her. Savannah spent five nights in the hospital and had a number of life-threatening injuries and is still recuperating from the attack.

Savannah Coleman was attacked by a dog in Miami Township in July. (Photo provided)

PHOTOS: Savannah Coleman attacked by dog

Savannah Coleman was attacked by a dog in Miami Township in July. (Photo provided)

Savannah Coleman was attacked by a dog in Miami Township in July. (Photo provided)

Savannah Coleman was attacked by a dog in Miami Township in July. (Photo provided)

Savannah Coleman was attacked by a dog in Miami Township in July. (Photo provided)

Savannah Coleman was attacked by a dog in Miami Township in July. (Photo provided)

Savannah Coleman was attacked by a dog in Miami Township in July. (Photo provided)

Savannah Coleman was attacked by a dog in Miami Township in July. (Photo provided)

Savannah Coleman was attacked by a dog in Miami Township in July. (Photo provided)

Savannah Coleman was attacked by a dog in Miami Township in July. (Photo provided)

“My daughter, Savannah, was tragically the victim of a vicious dog attack. I have seen firsthand the damage that a vicious dog attack has done. We must pass this bill to ensure no other child is mauled like Savannah was,” said Tierney Dumont, Savannah’s mother.​​​​​​​

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First and foremost, Chief Biehl is encouraging residents to stay away from the downtown area where the rally is taking place. Instead, he says, consider attending one of the many other community events taking place Saturday that are meant to highlight Dayton’s true sense of identity.